ReportersNotebook — General Merchandise, 11/5/12

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SUPPLIER NEWS — According to a Nielsen report issued last month, higher consumer confidence levels, increased impulse buying and consumer intent to spend more could all lead to an upside surprise in 2012 holiday spending. Pet care will be one growth sector; Neilsen predicted pet owners will drive 5.9% dollar and 3.1% unit growth. The rest of home care, including cleaning and households products — even holiday wrapping paper — will see modest, price-driven dollar gains and unit sales declines, according to Nielsen.

Avanti is gearing up for spring 2013 by boosting its portfolio to include a variety of new greeting cards.New to the Avanti portfolio are cards for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, as well as graduation cards for grades kindergarten and older. Avanti also is launching new seasonal StandOuts cards and Avanti-branded cards that have been added to the company’s A*Press collection. The new cards have a suggested retail price range of $3.29 to $3.99. In addition to the spring 2013 items, Avanti Press has introduced five Avanti everyday cards (SRP $2.99), six new cards under the company’s illustrated humor collection A*Press (SRP $3.95) and two new A+Plus StandOut cards (SRP $3.99). Additionally, one of the A+Plus StandOut cards is a coaster card (SRP $4.99) — featuring an actual drink coaster inside — a first for the company.